EP0784556A1 - Trolley handle unit - Google Patents

Trolley handle unit

Info

Publication number
EP0784556A1
EP0784556A1 EP95933507A EP95933507A EP0784556A1 EP 0784556 A1 EP0784556 A1 EP 0784556A1 EP 95933507 A EP95933507 A EP 95933507A EP 95933507 A EP95933507 A EP 95933507A EP 0784556 A1 EP0784556 A1 EP 0784556A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
handle unit
handle
trolley
panel
information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95933507A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0784556B1 (en
Inventor
Robert Myers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=26305759&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0784556(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from GB9420301A external-priority patent/GB9420301D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0784556A1 publication Critical patent/EP0784556A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0784556B1 publication Critical patent/EP0784556B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
    • B62B5/06—Hand moving equipment, e.g. handle bars
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/1408—Display devices mounted on it, e.g. advertisement displays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/1408—Display devices mounted on it, e.g. advertisement displays
    • B62B3/1416—Display devices mounted on it, e.g. advertisement displays mounted on the handle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/1408—Display devices mounted on it, e.g. advertisement displays
    • B62B3/1424—Electronic display devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/1428—Adaptations for calculators, memory aids or reading aids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/144—Adaptations for transporting children; Mounting of toys for the children
    • B62B3/1452—Safety belts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
    • B62B3/14—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
    • B62B3/144—Adaptations for transporting children; Mounting of toys for the children
    • B62B3/1456—Mounting of toys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
    • B62B2501/00—Manufacturing; Constructional features
    • B62B2501/02—Dimensions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a handle unit for a trolley.
  • a conventional trolley such as one used in a supermarket has a plastics coated tubular metal handle which is fastened at each end to a respective side frame of the trolley by means of a resilient plastics fitting.
  • This fitting is designed to receive and retain a tubular handle of a particular radius but can be used to fit handles of different lengths to accommodate trolleys of different widths.
  • the plastics coating of the handle is marked with the name of the supermarket providing it.
  • the present invention provides a handle unit for a trolley comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user.
  • trolley handle unit provides the user with utilities and useful information.
  • the handle unit may be moulded from plastics material such as polypropylene which may be coloured in accordance with the supermarket's corporate identity.
  • the handle unit has a hand gripping portion to either side of the panel.
  • These hand gripping portions may be specially dimensioned and shaped to give the user a comfortable grip of the trolley handle unit.
  • the trolley handle unit is preferably adapted for use with conventional trolleys and their fittings.
  • the handle unit may be adapted to fit over the conventional tubular trolley handle or have ends dimensioned to cooperate with conventional fittings for attaching the handle to the trolley frame.
  • the panel includes a display area, for displaying information without user input, which should be at least partially protected by a transparent cover.
  • the handle unit incorporates a housing to the rear of the panel which may receive a power supply.
  • the panel may then include an electronic display screen which can operate from the power supply.
  • the present invention provides a trolley incorporating a handle unit comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user.
  • the handle unit may be integral with the trolley.
  • Figure 1 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of the handle unit of figure 1:
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit incorporated within the handle unit of figure 1:
  • Figure 4 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a second embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of the handle unit of figure 3:
  • Figure 6 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a plan view of the handle unit of figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a trolley handle unit forming a fourth embodiment of the present invention attached to a shopping trolley.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a handle unit 10 particularly designed for use on a shopping trolley (in the USA called a "shopping cart").
  • the handle unit 10 is moulded in one piece from suitable plastics such as polypropylene and includes a specially dimensioned integral central housing 12 with hand gripping portion 28 and 29 to either side.
  • the ends 14 of the handle unit 10 are tubular and are dimensioned to fit snugly over the conventional tubular metal handle which is preferably retained for support.
  • the hand gripping portions 28 and 29 are thus of greater diameter than the conventional trolley handle and are consequently easier and more flexible to grip.
  • the length of the handle unit 10 is the same length as the length of a conventional trolley handle between the fittings to the trolley frame. which is typically between 17 and 23 inches.
  • the central housing 12 is shaped and dimensioned in a unique way. In particular, it takes the approximate form of a parallelepiped having a length 1 of 21 - 25.5 cm. a width w of 12 -16 cm and a depth of 4 - 7 cm. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the housing 12 can be varied.
  • the rear face may be slightly smaller than the front face and part of its surface may be sloped or curved to increase the volume of the housing and/or to accommodate the shape of the articles to be housed in it.
  • the lower part of the rear surface is preferably angled, in use, in the opposite direction to the vertical to the upper part of the rear surface in order to aid drainage of water from the handle unit.
  • the length of the housing, in use, lies along the axis of the handle.
  • the handle unit 10 is designed so that it can be readily steam cleaned and is hermetically sealed from the environment so that it is completely weather-proof.
  • the central housing 12 contains a control unit comprising a power source, a controller such as a microprocessor. and information receiving, storage and output devices.
  • a control unit comprising a power source, a controller such as a microprocessor. and information receiving, storage and output devices.
  • the front of the control unit which corresponds to the front face of the housing 12. forms a rectangular information panel 16 for providing information to the user. Accordingly, the front face of the housing 12 has an aperture through which the information panel of the control unit can be viewed.
  • the information panel is 20 cm by 10.5 cm (approx) and includes an electronically operated display screen 18. forming a rectangular display area of 12 cm by 10.5 cm (approx), for displaying various information for the customer.
  • the information displayed on the screen includes details of the various special offers in the store, advertisements of products, a clock display etc.
  • the display screen may be, for example, an LCD display or a mini television screen.
  • the information panel 16 further includes, in this embodiment, a rectangular user interface area of 8 cm by 10.5 cm (approx) which has a calculator 20 and/or a bar code reader 22 to enable the user to make calculations of eg. the cost of his or her purchases, thereby providing additional information to the customer.
  • the bar code reader 22 may have its own display screen or may utilise the display screen 18 in the display area.
  • the information panel 16 could include in the information interface area, a keyboard for the user to input a request for specific information such as the location of a particular type of product in store.
  • the display area may include a touch sensitive screen for the same purpose.
  • the parts of the information panel 16 lie in substantially one plane so that the panel has a generally flat surface. This makes the panel easy to view and in use the panel is angled at the optimum angle to the vertical for the customer to view the information on the panel .
  • the display area, and part of the interface area excluding the keys of the calculator or the keyboard, is protected by a transparent cover of a resilient and scratch-resistant material such as polycarbonate.
  • the cover should preferably have a key operated release mechanism to allow access to the display area.
  • control unit has a power supply, a controller 30 and information receiving 32. storage 34 and output 36 devices.
  • the housing 12 is specially dimensioned and shaped so that it can receive these components.
  • the power supply comprises a rechargeable power pack 24 which provides electrical power to the control unit including the electronic parts of the information panel 16 and other electronic devices within the housing.
  • the power pack 24 is partly charged by means of solar cells 26 mounted on the top of the handle 10 so that it faces and is charged by the supermarket ceiling lighting when in use.
  • a power pack of a reasonable size can be accommodated so that recharging, by connection of a mains recharging device to a mains source, is only necessary at infrequent intervals (e.g once every 48 hours).
  • the appearance of the handle unit is aesthetically pleasing since the bulky power pack is retained behind the information panel.
  • the controller 30 comprises a microprocessor which controls the information provided to the information panel 16 and in particular the display screen 18. For instance, the controller may cause information to be displayed on the display screen according to a user request via the user interface area, or in a predetermined sequence or in response to trigger signals (see below) .
  • the microprocessor accesses the information to be displayed which is stored in memory cells of the information storage device 34. This information may be pre-programmed into the memory by "down loading" information through an information programming device 32b forming part of the information receiving device 32. Alternatively, the information may be received from an external source via a signal receiver 32a forming part of the information receiving device 32 and subsequently stored in the information storage device 34.
  • the external source may comprise, for example, infra-red or radio wave signals transmitted in store to an infra-red or radio receiver forming the information receiving device in the trolley handle. These signals may be transmitted continuously around the store to provide the latest information on special offers. Alternatively the signals may be transmitted as local trigger signals from various trigger locations around the store to provide particular information about special offers on products around that location. Such trigger signals may also be used to trigger audio sounds from electronic devices within the handle or to trigger the release of artificial smells from the trolley handle.
  • the control unit may also have memory capacity for storing information entered by the user using the bar code reader 22.
  • the control unit can be used to record the product details and calculate the total value ot purchases which are entered by the user using the bar code reader and such information may be readily displayed on the display screen 18.
  • the handle unit has right and left hand gripping portions 28, 29 which are designed to aid control of movement of the trolley in use.
  • the handle unit 10 has a coin operated locking mechanism 42 which can be used to lock trolleys together to prevent their theft.
  • a coin operated locking mechanism 42 which can be used to lock trolleys together to prevent their theft.
  • Such locking mechanisms are well known in the art and will not be detailed here.
  • Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention in which parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment have like reference numerals.
  • the handle unit 10 is provided with hand apertures 40 in the moulding itself so that the knuckles of the user are protected by guards 27.
  • the hand gripping portions 28. 29 are also shaped to provide a good gripping surface.
  • the housing 12 is otherwise arranged and shaped as in the first embodiment.
  • Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention in which parts corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments have like reference numerals.
  • the handle unit 10 includes a hand aperture 10 to either side of the central housing 12 and has moulded hand gripping portions 28 and 29.
  • an information panel 16 is formed by an electronic liquid crystal display screen 18 which is provided at the front of a control unit mounted within the central housing, and is viewed through an aperture in the front face of the central housing.
  • the remainder of the front face of the control housing is filled in to form a further part of the information panel 16 and on it are mounted a calculator 20 and a paper holder 38 to retain a shopping list.
  • a coin operated locking mechanism 42 is also included at one end of the handle.
  • a power pack 24 is provided within the central housing 12 to the rear of the information panel 16 which is powered and/or recharged by means of solar cells 26.
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view from the rear of a modified version of the handle unit of figures 6 and 7 which forms a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the plastics handle unit 10 is manufactured in two parts 11a and lib.
  • a child's toy 44 comprising coloured spinning counting beads is incorporated within the handle unit.
  • the handle unit is attached to a trolley with its front face forming an angle to the vertical so that information displayed on the information panel 16 can be easily read by a person pushing the trolley.
  • the toy 44 is conveniently situated at the rear upper edge of the handle unit 10 so that, in use, it is positioned in front of a child sitting in the seat 46 provided in a conventional supermarket trolley. The toy can therefore be easily reached and played with by the child.
  • the illustrated handle unit is a modification of the embodiment of figures 6 and 7 it will be appreciated that the toy could be incorporated within any design of handle unit whether with of without a housing 12 as described above.
  • the housing 12 as dimensioned in the described embodiments has the advantage that the rear upper edge of the housing 12 is located closer to a child sitting in the conventional child seat than a conventional trolley handle.
  • the toy shown in figure 8 is a simple toy for a young child but it is envisaged that other sorts of toys could be included in the handle unit to cater for children of different ages.
  • the toy could be electronically operated by connecting it to the power supply 24 in the control unit 12.
  • toys which have lights, or make sounds could be used or even popular electronic games having liquid crystal displays could be incorporated within the handle.
  • any suitable toy which is compact and can be used by a child in a seat to amuse him or her could be incorporated within the handle.
  • a cassette player with headphones could be included to play music or tell stories to a child.
  • an alarm system which sounds when the trolley is taken beyond the premises of the supermarket. This could be done in a number of ways. For instance, a system could be used in which detectors are situated at the exits to the premises and an alarm sounds when the trolley is taken through the exit, in the same way as store security tags cause alarms at the doors of shops to sound.
  • a further alarm could be provided in conjunction with a safety belt for a child seated in the trolley so that the alarm sounds if the safety belt is undone.
  • trolley handle unit many designs are possible incorporating the particular features and functions required by a supermarket and to accommodate the technology to be incorporated within the handle unit.
  • the information panel 16 need not be rectangular but could be circular or oval-shaped. However, the panel should preferably be generally flat and the display area should be of a sufficient size to allow provision of information in an easy-to-read form from the usual distance between the user's eye and the trolley handle when the user is pushing the trolley.
  • the embodiment in which the moulded plastics handle unit 10 is formed in two pieces has the advantage that it's parts can be readily joined together over the tubular handle of a conventional trolley thus allowing a conventional trolley handle to be converted.
  • the original handle provides strength and support for the handle, particularly around the hand gripping portions.
  • the handle unit could be formed from a metallic casting or have strengthening members to provide extra strength if required.
  • the ends of the handle unit should be tubular and of the same dimensions as a conventional trolley handle so that it can be directly fitted to the trolley frame in the same manner and using the same fittings as a conventional tubular trolley handle.
  • the display area of the information panel need not be electronically operated but could be a panel area which can retain a printed advertisement.
  • the aperture in the front face of the central housing 12 would be filled-in and the information panel 16 would be provided by the front face of the housing rather than the front of the control unit.
  • the information panel may be provided by a revolving advertising display or the like housed within the central housing.
  • the panel would have a transparent plastics cover to protect the display which can be opened to allow the displayed information to be changed.
  • trolley handle may be readily formed from other synthetic materials which can be moulded such as carbon-fibre materials or foam materials.
  • synthetic materials which can be moulded such as carbon-fibre materials or foam materials.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/GB95/02380 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 4, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 4, 1997 PCT Filed Sep. 10, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/11130 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 18, 1996A handle unit for shopping trolley formed of a molded material comprising a central housing having hand grip portions extending from either side thereof and wherein a front face of the housing includes an information panel adapted to provide information to a user and wherein the housing includes electronically operated equipment including a bar-code reader which may be connected to an electronically operated display screen.

Description

TROLLEY HANDLE UNIT
The present invention relates to a handle unit for a trolley.
A conventional trolley such as one used in a supermarket has a plastics coated tubular metal handle which is fastened at each end to a respective side frame of the trolley by means of a resilient plastics fitting. This fitting is designed to receive and retain a tubular handle of a particular radius but can be used to fit handles of different lengths to accommodate trolleys of different widths.
Typically the plastics coating of the handle is marked with the name of the supermarket providing it.
Very recently, trolley handles in supermarkets have been provided with a calculator for the customer to calculate the cost of purchases whilst using the trolley. A calculator unit was attached to the conventional trolley handle using metal clips.
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a handle unit for a trolley comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user.
In this way the trolley handle unit provides the user with utilities and useful information.
The handle unit may be moulded from plastics material such as polypropylene which may be coloured in accordance with the supermarket's corporate identity.
Desirably, the handle unit has a hand gripping portion to either side of the panel. These hand gripping portions may be specially dimensioned and shaped to give the user a comfortable grip of the trolley handle unit.
The trolley handle unit is preferably adapted for use with conventional trolleys and their fittings. For instance the handle unit may be adapted to fit over the conventional tubular trolley handle or have ends dimensioned to cooperate with conventional fittings for attaching the handle to the trolley frame.
Preferably the panel includes a display area, for displaying information without user input, which should be at least partially protected by a transparent cover.
Preferably the handle unit incorporates a housing to the rear of the panel which may receive a power supply. The panel may then include an electronic display screen which can operate from the power supply.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a trolley incorporating a handle unit comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user. The handle unit may be integral with the trolley.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying claims.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described. by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the handle unit of figure 1:
Figure 3 is a block diagram of a control unit incorporated within the handle unit of figure 1:
Figure 4 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of the handle unit of figure 3:
Figure 6 is a front elevation of a trolley handle unit forming a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a plan view of the handle unit of figure 6. and
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a trolley handle unit forming a fourth embodiment of the present invention attached to a shopping trolley.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention comprising a handle unit 10 particularly designed for use on a shopping trolley (in the USA called a "shopping cart"). The handle unit 10 is moulded in one piece from suitable plastics such as polypropylene and includes a specially dimensioned integral central housing 12 with hand gripping portion 28 and 29 to either side. The ends 14 of the handle unit 10 are tubular and are dimensioned to fit snugly over the conventional tubular metal handle which is preferably retained for support. The hand gripping portions 28 and 29 are thus of greater diameter than the conventional trolley handle and are consequently easier and more confortable to grip.
The length of the handle unit 10 is the same length as the length of a conventional trolley handle between the fittings to the trolley frame. which is typically between 17 and 23 inches.
The central housing 12 is shaped and dimensioned in a unique way. In particular, it takes the approximate form of a parallelepiped having a length 1 of 21 - 25.5 cm. a width w of 12 -16 cm and a depth of 4 - 7 cm. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the housing 12 can be varied.
The rear face may be slightly smaller than the front face and part of its surface may be sloped or curved to increase the volume of the housing and/or to accommodate the shape of the articles to be housed in it. In particular the lower part of the rear surface is preferably angled, in use, in the opposite direction to the vertical to the upper part of the rear surface in order to aid drainage of water from the handle unit.
The length of the housing, in use, lies along the axis of the handle.
The handle unit 10 is designed so that it can be readily steam cleaned and is hermetically sealed from the environment so that it is completely weather-proof.
Referring now to figure 3. the central housing 12 contains a control unit comprising a power source, a controller such as a microprocessor. and information receiving, storage and output devices.
The front of the control unit, which corresponds to the front face of the housing 12. forms a rectangular information panel 16 for providing information to the user. Accordingly, the front face of the housing 12 has an aperture through which the information panel of the control unit can be viewed. In the preferred embodiments, the information panel is 20 cm by 10.5 cm (approx) and includes an electronically operated display screen 18. forming a rectangular display area of 12 cm by 10.5 cm (approx), for displaying various information for the customer. Typically, the information displayed on the screen includes details of the various special offers in the store, advertisements of products, a clock display etc. The display screen may be, for example, an LCD display or a mini television screen.
The information panel 16 further includes, in this embodiment, a rectangular user interface area of 8 cm by 10.5 cm (approx) which has a calculator 20 and/or a bar code reader 22 to enable the user to make calculations of eg. the cost of his or her purchases, thereby providing additional information to the customer. The bar code reader 22 may have its own display screen or may utilise the display screen 18 in the display area.
It will be appreciated that the information panel 16 could include in the information interface area, a keyboard for the user to input a request for specific information such as the location of a particular type of product in store. Alternatively the display area may include a touch sensitive screen for the same purpose.
It will be noted that the parts of the information panel 16 lie in substantially one plane so that the panel has a generally flat surface. This makes the panel easy to view and in use the panel is angled at the optimum angle to the vertical for the customer to view the information on the panel .
The display area, and part of the interface area excluding the keys of the calculator or the keyboard, is protected by a transparent cover of a resilient and scratch-resistant material such as polycarbonate. The cover should preferably have a key operated release mechanism to allow access to the display area.
Behind the information panel, the control unit has a power supply, a controller 30 and information receiving 32. storage 34 and output 36 devices. The housing 12 is specially dimensioned and shaped so that it can receive these components.
The power supply comprises a rechargeable power pack 24 which provides electrical power to the control unit including the electronic parts of the information panel 16 and other electronic devices within the housing. The power pack 24 is partly charged by means of solar cells 26 mounted on the top of the handle 10 so that it faces and is charged by the supermarket ceiling lighting when in use.
Because of the size and shape of the housing, to the rear of the information panel, a power pack of a reasonable size can be accommodated so that recharging, by connection of a mains recharging device to a mains source, is only necessary at infrequent intervals (e.g once every 48 hours). However, the appearance of the handle unit is aesthetically pleasing since the bulky power pack is retained behind the information panel.
The controller 30 comprises a microprocessor which controls the information provided to the information panel 16 and in particular the display screen 18. For instance, the controller may cause information to be displayed on the display screen according to a user request via the user interface area, or in a predetermined sequence or in response to trigger signals (see below) . The microprocessor accesses the information to be displayed which is stored in memory cells of the information storage device 34. This information may be pre-programmed into the memory by "down loading" information through an information programming device 32b forming part of the information receiving device 32. Alternatively, the information may be received from an external source via a signal receiver 32a forming part of the information receiving device 32 and subsequently stored in the information storage device 34.
The external source may comprise, for example, infra-red or radio wave signals transmitted in store to an infra-red or radio receiver forming the information receiving device in the trolley handle. These signals may be transmitted continuously around the store to provide the latest information on special offers. Alternatively the signals may be transmitted as local trigger signals from various trigger locations around the store to provide particular information about special offers on products around that location. Such trigger signals may also be used to trigger audio sounds from electronic devices within the handle or to trigger the release of artificial smells from the trolley handle.
The control unit may also have memory capacity for storing information entered by the user using the bar code reader 22. Thus the control unit can be used to record the product details and calculate the total value ot purchases which are entered by the user using the bar code reader and such information may be readily displayed on the display screen 18.
The handle unit has right and left hand gripping portions 28, 29 which are designed to aid control of movement of the trolley in use.
The handle unit 10 has a coin operated locking mechanism 42 which can be used to lock trolleys together to prevent their theft. Such locking mechanisms are well known in the art and will not be detailed here.
Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention in which parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment have like reference numerals.
In the second embodiment, the handle unit 10 is provided with hand apertures 40 in the moulding itself so that the knuckles of the user are protected by guards 27. The hand gripping portions 28. 29 are also shaped to provide a good gripping surface.
The housing 12 is otherwise arranged and shaped as in the first embodiment.
Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention in which parts corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments have like reference numerals.
In this embodiment the handle unit 10 includes a hand aperture 10 to either side of the central housing 12 and has moulded hand gripping portions 28 and 29. In this embodiment, an information panel 16 is formed by an electronic liquid crystal display screen 18 which is provided at the front of a control unit mounted within the central housing, and is viewed through an aperture in the front face of the central housing. In addition, the remainder of the front face of the control housing is filled in to form a further part of the information panel 16 and on it are mounted a calculator 20 and a paper holder 38 to retain a shopping list.
A coin operated locking mechanism 42 is also included at one end of the handle. A power pack 24 is provided within the central housing 12 to the rear of the information panel 16 which is powered and/or recharged by means of solar cells 26.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view from the rear of a modified version of the handle unit of figures 6 and 7 which forms a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the plastics handle unit 10 is manufactured in two parts 11a and lib.
In addition a child's toy 44 comprising coloured spinning counting beads is incorporated within the handle unit. In use, as shown in figure 8, the handle unit is attached to a trolley with its front face forming an angle to the vertical so that information displayed on the information panel 16 can be easily read by a person pushing the trolley. The toy 44 is conveniently situated at the rear upper edge of the handle unit 10 so that, in use, it is positioned in front of a child sitting in the seat 46 provided in a conventional supermarket trolley. The toy can therefore be easily reached and played with by the child.
Although the illustrated handle unit is a modification of the embodiment of figures 6 and 7 it will be appreciated that the toy could be incorporated within any design of handle unit whether with of without a housing 12 as described above. However, the housing 12 as dimensioned in the described embodiments has the advantage that the rear upper edge of the housing 12 is located closer to a child sitting in the conventional child seat than a conventional trolley handle.
The toy shown in figure 8 is a simple toy for a young child but it is envisaged that other sorts of toys could be included in the handle unit to cater for children of different ages. For instance, the toy could be electronically operated by connecting it to the power supply 24 in the control unit 12. Thus, toys which have lights, or make sounds could be used or even popular electronic games having liquid crystal displays could be incorporated within the handle.
It will be appreciated that any suitable toy which is compact and can be used by a child in a seat to amuse him or her could be incorporated within the handle. For instance a cassette player with headphones could be included to play music or tell stories to a child.
Further features which may be included in the handle units of all of the embodiments include an alarm system which sounds when the trolley is taken beyond the premises of the supermarket. This could be done in a number of ways. For instance, a system could be used in which detectors are situated at the exits to the premises and an alarm sounds when the trolley is taken through the exit, in the same way as store security tags cause alarms at the doors of shops to sound.
A further alarm could be provided in conjunction with a safety belt for a child seated in the trolley so that the alarm sounds if the safety belt is undone.
It will be appreciated that many designs of trolley handle unit are possible incorporating the particular features and functions required by a supermarket and to accommodate the technology to be incorporated within the handle unit.
The information panel 16 need not be rectangular but could be circular or oval-shaped. However, the panel should preferably be generally flat and the display area should be of a sufficient size to allow provision of information in an easy-to-read form from the usual distance between the user's eye and the trolley handle when the user is pushing the trolley.
The embodiment in which the moulded plastics handle unit 10 is formed in two pieces has the advantage that it's parts can be readily joined together over the tubular handle of a conventional trolley thus allowing a conventional trolley handle to be converted. In addition the original handle provides strength and support for the handle, particularly around the hand gripping portions. Alternatively, the handle unit could be formed from a metallic casting or have strengthening members to provide extra strength if required.
In the case where a conventional trolley handle is not retained, the ends of the handle unit should be tubular and of the same dimensions as a conventional trolley handle so that it can be directly fitted to the trolley frame in the same manner and using the same fittings as a conventional tubular trolley handle.
It will be understood that the display area of the information panel need not be electronically operated but could be a panel area which can retain a printed advertisement. In such a case, the aperture in the front face of the central housing 12 would be filled-in and the information panel 16 would be provided by the front face of the housing rather than the front of the control unit. Alternatively, the information panel may be provided by a revolving advertising display or the like housed within the central housing. Preferably the panel would have a transparent plastics cover to protect the display which can be opened to allow the displayed information to be changed.
Although the described embodiments are formed of moulded plastics, it will be appreciated that the trolley handle may be readily formed from other synthetic materials which can be moulded such as carbon-fibre materials or foam materials. The skilled person will appreciate that various modifications may be made to the described embodiments, and it is intended to include all such modifications as fall within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A handle unit for a trolley comprising an integral panel for providing information to the user.
2. A handle unit as claimed in claim 1. in which a hand gripping portion is provided on either side of the panel.
3. A handle unit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2. in which the unit is formed from a moulded synthetic material.
4. A handle unit as claimed in claim 1. 2 or 3, in which the unit is adapted to fit over a conventional tubular trolley handle.
5. A handle unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the panel includes a generally flat display area.
6. A handle unit as claimed in claim 5. in which the display area is at least partially protected by a transparent cover.
7. A handle unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a housing is provided to the rear of the panel.
8. A handle unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the housing contains a power supply.
9. A handle unit as claimed in claim 8. in which the panel includes an electronic display screen connected to the power supply.
10. A handle unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the panel includes a user interface area.
11. A handle unit as claimed in claim 10, in which the user interface area includes a device for summing the value of prospective purchases of the user.
12. A handle unit as claimed in claim 11, in which the device includes a calculator and/or bar code reader.
13. A trolley incorporating a handle unit as claimed in any preceding claim.
SUBSTIT
EP95933507A 1994-10-07 1995-10-09 Trolley handle unit Expired - Lifetime EP0784556B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9420301 1994-10-07
GB9420301A GB9420301D0 (en) 1994-10-07 1994-10-07 Trolley handle
GBGB9506618.9A GB9506618D0 (en) 1994-10-07 1995-03-31 Trolley handle
GB9506618 1995-03-31
PCT/GB1995/002380 WO1996011130A1 (en) 1994-10-07 1995-10-09 Trolley handle unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0784556A1 true EP0784556A1 (en) 1997-07-23
EP0784556B1 EP0784556B1 (en) 1999-08-25

Family

ID=26305759

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95933507A Expired - Lifetime EP0784556B1 (en) 1994-10-07 1995-10-09 Trolley handle unit

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US5836051A (en)
EP (1) EP0784556B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE183702T1 (en)
AU (1) AU701671B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2201930C (en)
DE (1) DE69511710T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2138749T3 (en)
GB (1) GB9506618D0 (en)
NZ (1) NZ293652A (en)
WO (1) WO1996011130A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2201930A1 (en) 1996-04-18
CA2201930C (en) 2006-05-02
ATE183702T1 (en) 1999-09-15
NZ293652A (en) 1999-03-29
DE69511710T2 (en) 2000-04-27
AU701671B2 (en) 1999-02-04
WO1996011130A1 (en) 1996-04-18
DE69511710D1 (en) 1999-09-30
AU3613895A (en) 1996-05-02
EP0784556B1 (en) 1999-08-25
ES2138749T3 (en) 2000-01-16
US5836051A (en) 1998-11-17
GB9506618D0 (en) 1995-05-24

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